Post-Bariatric Body Contouring
Achieving significant weight loss can be beneficial in numerous ways—from improving health and reducing obesity-related medical conditions to feeling more confident in daily life. Yet, after losing a large amount of weight, it may be disheartening to continue to struggle with stretched, loose, and superfluous skin that obscures your newly slimmer figure.
To relieve the physical, emotional, and aesthetic concerns often associated with excess skin after major weight loss, our board-certified plastic surgeon in Corpus Christi, Dr. Cassidy Hinojosa, offers various post-bariatric body contouring procedures. She works closely with each patient to provide a customized treatment experience designed to celebrate their weight loss journey and enhance their confidence.
- What Is Plastic Surgery After Weight Loss?
- Post-Bariatric Body Contouring Treatment Options
- Plastic Surgery After Weight Loss Cost
What Is Plastic Surgery After Weight Loss?
Plastic surgery after weight loss is the surgical removal of unwanted skin and fatty tissue that might remain after losing a significant amount of weight. Sometimes called post-bariatric body contouring, this procedure may be performed on men and women after weight loss surgery, such as a gastric sleeve or bypass, or other methods of major weight loss to smooth and tighten affected areas of the body. In addition to the aesthetic advantages, patients who undergo body contouring procedures can benefit from increased mobility during exercise and daily activities as well as relief from irritation and infections caused by skin creases or folds rubbing together.
After an initial consultation and evaluation, Dr. Hinojosa can design a customized treatment plan based on individual needs and cosmetic goals.
What Procedures Are Included in a Post-Bariatric Body Contouring Plan?
For the right candidates, post-bariatric body contouring can be ideal for removing excess skin and tightening contours of the face and neck, breasts, abdomen, buttocks, thighs, and arms while providing a natural-looking appearance. The following are some of the most common body contouring procedures performed after major weight loss:
Liposuction
Available for nearly any region of the body, liposuction can reduce or eliminate pockets of stubborn fat that are often resistant to diet and exercise. The procedure is performed by creating a small incision in the target area to insert a thin surgical tube (cannula) that breaks down and removes the excess fat cells. Liposuction may be combined with many of the procedures below for an ideal outcome.
Abdominoplasty
Abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck surgery, refers to addressing a drooping, distended abdominal region by tightening and repairing stretched musculature and removing the surrounding excess skin—including a “pannus” (overhanging fold of skin on the front of the abdomen)—for a flatter, firmer stomach. The abdomen is one of the most common places that patients struggle with in terms of excess skin after weight loss.
Arm Lift
Also known as brachioplasty, an arm lift helps to reshape upper arms that have hanging skin and lost tissue elasticity, especially for those experiencing an excessive amount that leads to a “hammock” or “bat wing” appearance. The excess skin and tissues are removed, and the remaining skin is pulled tightly for a more toned and defined look.
Thigh Lift
Loose, hanging skin and excess fatty tissue on the inner and/or outer thighs can be corrected with a thigh lift to sculpt leaner, more toned upper leg contours.
Breast Reduction
Overly large or heavy breasts are one of the most prominent areas that cannot be addressed with diet and exercise alone. A breast reduction can reduce redundant skin and breast tissue, lifting and sculpting the breasts while bringing their size into more harmonious alignment with a patient’s physique.
Breast Lift
When breasts undergo weight fluctuations, it can diminish skin elasticity and cause the breasts to droop, especially after losing a large amount of weight. A breast lift, also called a mastopexy, can treat sagging breasts by removing excess skin, reshaping tissue, and elevating the breasts to a more optimal position on the chest wall.
Facelift and Neck Lift
Facial areas can also be affected by significant weight loss, leading to sagging or drooping in the cheeks, jawline, and neck. A superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) facelift performed by Dr. Hinojosa is designed to lift and tighten the deeper tissues to restore a rejuvenated yet natural appearance. A neck lift can help address loose skin along the jawline and neck area.
How Much Does Plastic Surgery After Weight Loss Cost?
Due to the highly customized nature of post-weight loss body contouring, the cost will vary for each patient. Generally, estimates will be provided based on a variety of factors:
- Chosen procedure(s)
- Complexity of the surgical plan
- Volume of excess skin and fat to be removed
- Associated costs for anesthesiology, hospital, and surgeon’s fees
- Expertise of the plastic surgeon
- Geographic location of the surgery
Following a consultation with Dr. Hinojosa, our team will provide a personalized estimate and discuss any questions you may have. Our office works with CareCredit®, a trusted third-party lending service, that offers financing options to qualified applicants to help pay for their treatment in low- or no-interest installments.
Schedule a Consultation
To find out more about post-bariatric body contouring surgery, or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Hinojosa, please contact us today.